1. EOC (STAAR) Writing
English I
Literary
English I and II
Expository
English II
Persuasive
 Students are given 26 lines per essay - Students may not create additional lines and may
not write outside of the box.
 Scores range from 1-4.
 Students should use organizational strategies appropriate for the purpose of the essay – it
is not necessary for them to follow a “formula” – gone are the days of the traditional 5
paragraph essay.
 Students should do some pre-writing, drafting, and editing before writing the final essay
on the answer document. Students should never go straight to the answer document!
 Students must avoid writing a personal narrative.
 Students may use a dictionary and thesaurus throughout the writing process.
 Prompt is presented
with a picture –
students do not have to
write about the picture,
but may use it as
springboard for thought
 Must write a story – real
or imagined
 Story needs to have a
narrow focus- (avoid
covering large amounts
of time)
 Student needs to
develop a plot, a
character, and setting
 Students should avoid
including details and
events that do not
matter to the story.
 Too much description
often causes disruptions
in the story.
 Prompt is presented
with a “Think” box
containing a quote, a
story, historical
information, etc. –
Students do not have to
write about the specific
information in the box,
but may use it as
springboard for thought.
 Must have an effective
THESIS statement
 Students should support
their thesis with well-
balanced, effective
support.
 Students should avoid
being overly abstract
and philosophical.
 These essays are best
when students write
“what they know” –
base statements on
personal experience and
prior knowledge.
 No need to repeat the
prompt in introduction
or conclusion – an
effective thesis will do
the job.
 Prompt is presented
with a “Think” box
containing a quote, a
story, historical
information, etc. –
Students do not have to
write about the specific
information in the box,
but may use it as
springboard for thought.
 Students must have a
clear position- cannot
“ride the fence.”
 Students are not
required to address the
other side of the
argument (concession).
 Students should never
use false evidence
(made-up statistics,
examples, etc.).
 Students should use
their strongest
argument last.

2. REVISING and EDITING – English I and II
 Students are given short passages to read, each followed by a series of questions
that require both revising and editing skills.
 Students must read the passages before answering the questions.
 Students must return to the passages to answer the questions.
 Students may use a dictionary and thesaurus.
 Students must take the time to look at each answer choice carefully and take the
time to “substitute” answer choices in original text as necessary.
Adapted from:
Victoria Young - Director of Reading, Writing, and Social Studies Assessments,
Texas Education Agency, and Northside ISD
STAAR Writing Resources -
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/writing/
Dictionary policy, sample lined page and response box, rubrics, test design
schematics, performance level descriptors
STAAR Writing Released Questions – scroll down the page to box labeled EOC
Assessments
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/
Specific Resources for Students Receiving Special Education Services and English
Language Learners
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/ - bottom of the page
What can be done at home to prepare for the test:
 READ, READ, READ – the more a student reads, the more tools he/she will have in
his/her personal writing toolbox.
 WRITE, WRITE, WRITE - Practice responding to different prompts
 Use resources available – TEA website, Texas Assessment Practice book – available
from your student’s English teacher, practice sections in English textbook